Operating a forklift safely can only be achieved while observing safety precautions.

Top Tips for Safely Handling Forklifts

Each year, many people end up seriously injured or dead as a result of an overturned forklift. Many such incidents can be easily prevented. There are some simple tips that you must follow to ensure your general safety or your fellow workers’ safety.

Your Safety

Your safety comes first. Forklift sellers insist that only individuals with proper training, authorization, and licensing are allowed to operate material handling equipment such as the forklift trucks. To start your shift, use the steps and hand grabs to get onto the truck. Get a comfortable operating position before starting the truck engine and adjust the mirrors for a better view. As a truck operator, you should know, and strictly follow the company’s ground rules regarding material handling and safety. These rules may apply to events such as wearing Personal Protective Equipment, fastening your seatbelt during operation, and adhering to the set speed limit.

Machine Safety

For a fully functional and safe truck, the forklift trucks ought to be thoroughly inspected on a daily basis before any shift. If you discover a problem, remove the truck from service and report the problem immediately to the supervisor. Many dealers selling forklifts advise that you inspect the load you intend to lift for stability and balance before picking it up. You should carry the load as far back on the forks as possible and not at the tips. Lift the weight slightly higher than the body of the truck. It is also important to check the truck rating plate to know the load capacity. Avoid overloading the truck. When you are refueling, turn off the truck engine. Smoking, sparks, and open flames should be avoided when refueling.

Operating Environment Safety

Check the route and general environment for any hazards. If you find any obstacles, remove them to create a clear path. Forklift sales providers advise that you should always avoid bumps, wet areas, and holes. Ensure you have a clear overhead view when moving a load. If you are crossing an area with high pedestrian traffic, slow down and be keen on passersby. When you come to a point of intersection, exit, entry, stairways, or corners, stop and sound the horn before proceeding. After ending a shift, park the truck in a designated area and lower the forks fully to the ground. Apply the handbrakes and ensure you turn “off” the truck, and then remove the key from the ignition, and store it in its proper location.

Following these simple tips will guarantee you a safe, accident-free environment.